TARP hold pet food drive to support pet owners during government shutdown

A Troy pet rescue center held a pet food drive last Tuesday to provide support for struggling animal owners during the financial uncertainty of the government shutdown. 

Troy Animal Rescue Project (TARP) is a 501(c) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter that has rehomed thousands of pets in need since their start in 2014. Their website, troyanimalrescueproject.org, says their goal is to help any animals that need it, without discrimination.  

“We are dedicated to rescuing pets left homeless, pets given up by their owners, pets in abuse/neglect situations, and pets at risk for euthanasia, without regard to breed, age, or health issues,” TARP’s site said. 

In last Tuesday’s food drive, TARP partnered with pet stores in the Troy area to give out over 10,000 pounds of pet food. They were originally approved for 3,500 pounds, but enough applications from pet owners asking for help came through to boost the limit to almost three times the original. 

“It was truly a blessing to be able to help so many people and pets in need,” said TARP Director Tiffany Howington. “I never imagined we would have been able to provide as much relief as we were able too.” 

Howington said that the government shutdown and the financial instability of many people and pet owners as a result played a major part in deciding to hold the drive. 

“There were so many people who were struggling with either not having paychecks for many weeks or not having food benefits that they were expecting,” Howington said. “It put a lot of stress on families, and we wanted to help out.” 

Jessica Burke, the store manager of PetSense in Enterprise, Alabama, said that working with TARP in times like the government shutdown is rewarding for her. 

“People have fallen in hard times and find it difficult to provide for their animals most of the time, resulting in them having to surrender their animals,” Burke said. “Being able to get aid means they get to keep them.  

“I have worked with TARP for years and they have always provided for the community whether it’s being able to take injured animals or finding lost animals and reuniting them with owners. She does numerous adoption events to help find animals their forever homes.” 

“Pets are such an important part of people’s lives,” Howington said. “They provide companionship, emotional support and help reduce stress.  

“In times like these, people really need an outlet to help relieve some of the stress that everyday life puts on them. There is nothing better than coming home to a pet that will love you no matter what.”